Growing up in Broken Arrow Oklahoma Mike found himself immersed in the growing soccer culture of Northeast Oklahoma. He played most of his competitive experience for a club team in Broken Arrow but also had a short 1 year stint of playing club soccer in Southern California. His competitive spirit was forged in the quality club leagues of Tulsa as well as traveling to Dallas, Wichita, Colorado Springs, and St Louis to play in tournaments. Following high school Mike moved to Joplin, Missouri to attend and play soccer at Missouri Southern University.

After a long break Mike stepped back into the world of soccer when he began coaching his then 5 year old son. Over time as soccer grew more competitive Mike developed a club team in an effort to start fostering a quality soccer culture in southwest Missouri. This eventually evolved into joining Joplin Demize in 2015, 1 year after its formation, to assist with the with the high school teams. Mike has since functioned as a head coach of multiple JDA high school boys teams.

Mike’s coaching philosophy is focused on creating a positive atmosphere where players of all skill levels can be developed into productive team members while maintaining a competitive edge.

Desmond Williams

Started playing club soccer at age 11 in North Dallas for AYSES soccer club for the top league in the area. Played for multiple clubs throughout the years including Andromeda soccer club, Texas Longhorns soccer club and top ranked Dallas Texans Soccer Club. Played in big time tournaments such as the ESPN Disney Showcase in Florida and Dallas cup where teams from all over the world come to play.

Varsity all 4 years of high school at Richardson High School in Richardson,TX. Captain of the team senior year and earned all-district honors senior year. Ran track all 4 years of high school and was all region and all district senior year.

Played soccer and ran track for 2 years at McMurry University in Abilene,TX. Started as a freshman on the field and was second in goals scored and was nominated for freshman of the year. 4x All- American in track as well as a National Champion( school record and national record 24-4).

Ran track for 2 years at Missouri Southern State University where I hold the outdoor long jump record as well as 2 record in the relays. (4x1 and 4x4).

Made his debut with the Demize PASL team this year and was the leading goal scorer with 13 goals.

Played in Dallas cup, Germantown invitational, and various showcase tournaments

Played Professionally with Arkansas Diamonds, Austin Lone stars

Growing up in the United States in the 1970s and 80s, I fell in love with what I refer to as “the game” my desire to play soccer, and play as a professional. I am driven by players like Giorgio Chinaglia, Klaus Fischer, Franz Beckenbauer, and Pele.

Samir Haj is the man who influenced me the most as a young player and convinced me to get my licensing as a young coach; my other influence was Brian Clough, and Tom Hart.

Coaching Philosophy

As a soccer coach, I am always looking for new and creative ways to teach all aspects of the game. Over 20 plus years of training academy soccer players, I have the following to be most valuable and effective.

4 pillars of the game technical, tactical, mental, and physical

I believe pre-academy players should focus on developing their foot skills and good fundamental technique, while having fun. Every training session should be fun yet competitive, in this culture academy players become technically sound while developing good match habits.

Composure on the ball and a good first touch are the traits all talented soccer players have in common, but this takes time to develop. Players have to learn to play the game under pressure, but at younger ages, this can be counterproductive and hinder development.

Tactically my preference is good, clean, attractive, counter-attacking soccer that relies on defensive pressure from the forwards, mids, and backs.

Mental fitness and physical fitness are paramount to creating an outstanding academy experience.